Marathon of giving changes life

New opportunities in sports for disabled

NEW CHAPTER

Brian McLean, president of Achilles Canada, and Fyonna Vanderwerf, president of Achilles Muskoka, pose by their banner outside Oliver's in Bracebridge. The two were on hand Oct. 26 to discuss the new Muskoka chapter. Achilles is a fitness club designed to provide athletic opportunities for those with disabilities. (Photo by Lisa Gillan)

Her mission during the race was to run behind a man in a wheelchair who was also participating in the race. He had what she called an “old-school” wheelchair and spoke no English. Her purpose was to make sure no one bumped him from behind during the race; she was not allowed to push the chair.

It was at the New York City Marathon where Vanderwerf had volunteered with Achilles International, a non-profit group that began about 30 years ago to provide sports opportunities for those who are disabled or limited in some way either physically or mentally.

A veteran marathoner who usually finishes her races in four hours, Vanderwerf said this one took seven.

“I’ve never run seven hours straight so it was really hard for me,” she said. “I don’t think we spoke a word, we smiled and high fived a few times, but not a word. It was my favourite medal.”

Vanderwerf has participated in 140 marathons and similar races, but that one changed her running career forever.

“We finished. I’ve never seen him since, I’ve never written him, but I said I’m never going to run another race without someone else benefiting,” she said.

In October she began a Muskoka chapter of Achilles International. It provides training with a focus on preparing to participate in running events. Traditionally volunteers are matched with disabled runners who have a variety of ailments. Vanderwerf said she’s run with people who have muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s and mental illness, among a variety of other conditions.

Only two people showed up to the inaugural meeting, but she anticipates that will increase in April or May.

They’ve had a lot of interest from cottagers who train with Achilles throughout the year, but when they come to the cottage in Muskoka they’re at a loss of what to do, Vanderwerf said.

Achilles is open to all ages from children to adults.

“It’s the idea that nobody is perfect and everyone has something that might prevent them from doing what they want to be doing, whether mentally or physically,” she said.

Joining the program is free, though donations are accepted, and subsidies are available for other costs, to recognize that many with disabilities are on the Ontario Disability Support Program and do not have extra funds to pursue their dream.

Training takes place at 9 a.m. on Saturdays at the track at the Bracebridge Sportsplex. Vanderwerf said training can be taken inside, but it would be an extra cost.

Though Vanderwerf is a runner and has focused on the running aspect of Achilles, the program is not only about running and may have a future in the weight room, biking or other activities.

Vanderwerf has big aspirations for the program.

“At every Muskoka race event … I would like to see an Achilles Muskoka athlete competing at each of those events within three years,” she said.

She’s also stepped up her personal goal for her next Ironman.

In five years she plans to do her fourth Ironman triathlon, this time with an Achilles athlete. The memories of her first experience with an Achilles participant still burns in her mind.

“It’s something that’s fired me up for a long time and it always will,” she said.

Those interested in participating should sign up by contacting Fyonna Vanderwerf at 705-646-2868.